7 Quick Takes Volume 6

1. It seems like I haven't written/blogged in a while. Every time I think I should write a post and try to sit down and write one, nothing comes out ~ well nothing coherent anyway. Like Augustus Waters says in The Fault in Our Stars "My thoughts are stars I cannot fathom into constellations."
2. On the note of The Fault in Our Stars, I'm reading it for the third time since I got it about a week ago. I literally can't put it down! Everytime I read it, I discover something new to fall in love with, or fall in love with the same thing more and more. I know there are lots of people who've read this book, but it feels like my book. It's my story written in those pages. The thoughts that Hazel voices are my thoughts.
3. I got my hair cut on Monday. And my whole plan was to take a picture today and upload it onto the blog, but I'm too lazy to go dig for my camera and the cord, so I'm just going to describe it. It's short, and I think it kinda looks like Michelle Williams meets Kiera Knightley when she had short hair. But that's just me.
4. Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice season finale's were this week. That kind of made me sad, because... well it just did. They were both really intense finales. And I cried... in both of them. I can't wait to see what will happen next season, but, alas, I will have to wait. That's when I'm thankful for seasons on DVD!
5. I've had a couple of really bad nights, and days. And I kind of hate saying that I had a really bad night/day, but I did. In Campus Church on Wednesday, one of the things the preacher was talking about was God's call on our lives, and He had 5 points. All throughout the time I was listening, I kept hearing "I have you here for a reason." And He does. God has me here, right where I am, for a reason. And, in someway, He is going to use me. In someway I can't even see yet, this trial that is breaking my heart and taking everything so I have nothing left, He's going to use that. He's asking me, "Will I follow, even now? Will I still trust Him?" And the answer is yes, but only by His grace.
6. I am so excited it's the long weekend. I am really in need of a break. I keep thinking "Well, just make it past Tuesday and your busy streak will, hopefully, be done for a bit." But what about today? What about these 4 wonderful days off I've been given? So I'm going to rest
7. Can I tell you a secret? I'm going to be ok. Did you know that? I don't know if I did, and if I did I don't know if I've been clinging to God's promise that He knows the plans He has for me. But I'm going to be ok, no matter what happens. Everything is going to be ok, cause He's got the whole world in His hands. And In His Hands in the best place to be.

Pink Paper'd Presents

I got a package today. It's one of the best kinds, the big ones in cardboard boxes with pink wrapping paper. Like I said, the best kind. I was in the middle of writing a Christmas letter to slide in with the Christmas present I had just finished wrapping. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and my mom came in, the package in one hand, a birthday card in the other. I put aside my letter and tore into this best-kind-of-package, carefully peeling away the tape and pulling the gift, wrapped in pink paper, out. It was a book, Paperdoll by Natalie Lloyd, sporting a hot pink cover. Very girly and fun! I turned it over in my hands, running my fingers over the smooth cover. Out fell a small, white envelope. I opened it, and inside was the tiniest cutest pink button. I smiled to myself and flipped through the pages, finding a bookmark hidden within them. Inside the book, in swirly penmanship, I found it autographed.
Here's what it says: " For Alisha - because you are courageous. and because you keep looking for the good and finding ways to encourage other people. You are an inspiration and a wonder. Thank you for being so wonderfully and uniquely you! I know the plans God has for you will be amazing. Shine... Natalie."
I think this wonderful gift came at just the right time. It was a burst of encouragement, of hope, as we walk through these days of living life without our friend Spencer.
So I challenge you, whatever storms you're walking through in your life, whether it be the journey of grief, depression, or simple day to day challenges, to look for the hope, that little bit of encouragement. And that hope may or may not come wrapped in pink paper!

Limos, Lattes and My Life On The Fringe

Limos, Lattes and My Life On The Fringe is the fourth book in the real life series by Nancy Rue. This is the story of Tyler Bonning, an average, african american teenager who is nominated for prom queen as a joke. That theme alone would make for a pretty interesting story, but when Tyler decides to turn her nomination into a cause and starts the Prom for Everyone campaign, a whole new level of crazy is added to her life. When you combine all of that with a cute boy who helps Tyler with her campaign, a sister who isn't the easiest person to get along with, parents who don't seem to understand, a new french friend, some old friends causing some new issues, and a strange book called RL, that's Tyler's life.
The main characters in this story are Tyler herself, Patrick, Valleri, Yuri, Sunny, and her parents. The minor characters include Dierdre, Matthew, Candace, Kenny, Hayley, Alyssa, Joanna, Egan, Youtube, Fred, Ryleigh (a character I named) Graham and Noelle.
Tyler overcame the challenges she faced regarding the the way she's percieved by others, the Ruling Class, and the K-Mart kids, doing the right thing and God, just to name a few.
My favorite character in this book would have to be Tyler. Even though I'm not a brainy, african american teeanger, I did relate with her, in the way she clearly struggled with her own identity. Once she decided something,though, she stuck to it, even if other people were trying to shut her down or obsticals came up in her way.
My favorite scene in this book is probably the scene where Patrick comes to visit Tyler in the hospital. It's near the end of the book, and it's not the scene where Tyler's true strength comes out or where she makes a total turn around, but it's the scene where she confesses the love that's been building up in her heart for Patrick. It was really sweet, and I absolutely loved it.
I really liked this book because the challenges Tyler faces are real and relatable. By the end of this book, I was in tears, though I wasn't sure why. I was just sitting there, with tears streaming down my face, holding the book to my chest. I would recommend reading this book, because even though at some parts the whole 'smart kid' language got a little hard to understand, the theme of the book was amazing and by the end, it did touch my heart enough to make me cry. I was unable to put this book down, just ask my mom. I would rate this book a 4.5 out of 5. I'm sad the RL series is over, but this book was amazing work by Nancy Rue, and left me wanting more, and more, and more...

Not My Will be Done

Today was... Interesting.
Didn't get much sleep last night, which wasn't good because I was REALLY tired. I had a fever/was really hot until around midnight when the meds kicked in. So ended up not falling asleep till around 3am, but did get some reading done (Started reading 40 weeks, that book I was talking about that my friend's mama wrote, and am loving it!)
Got up this morning and did some school, and am now babysitting while my mama get's a facial. I think it's easy to see who got the better end of the deal there. We ended up having destroyed mac and cheese for lunch. (Literally. I tried to make the home made stuff, and it ended up looking some what like mac and cheese clumps drowned in milk.) But the kids are eating it, which makes me happy. It did taste a lot better then it looked.
So while I was doing school, my mom called the hospital. She was gonna try and see when they could get me in to see the doctor down there to see when they could get me in for testing so they could maybe figure out the cause of all this pain. We were gonna try and book it for June, which is when we have to go down there anyway and see the other doctor, but the other doctor (The one I go to all the time) Isn't booking at the moment, so not even sure when we're gonna get down there to see anybody. As much as I didn't want all these tests to begin with, I am so sick of all this pain right now I just want them to do the testing and find out what's wrong with me. But now I'm not sure when that's gonna happen...
I took some more meds earlier, but they don't seem to be helping much. I am so tired from the lack of sleep. Hoping I'll maybe be able to get some rest later on.

I'm tired and sick
I want to be done with this body that is filled with sickness
I want to be healed and whole
Because there are days when it's all too much
And then I hear it
"Someday."
Someday, I will be healed and healthy and whole
Someday, I will be done with all this sickness and pain
Someday, I will look into my Father's face and know that there was a plan for this
Someday, It will be finished
But for now, I will look heaven ward...
And whisper through the pain
"Not my will be done, But Yours, Father"

I survived this one...

Today… was better. Not amazing, not wonderful, but better. I actually got 6 or so hours of sleep last night rather than the 4 or so hours I got the night before. I’m still in pain but it’s not as bad as it was yesterday. Hopefully it will keep getting better. Hopefully the doctors will be able to figure out what’s wrong with me soon.

I did some school this morning, a whole bunch of tests coming up in the next few days (Math, Science, Spelling and Missions) and I had an LA test today. We went into town after school was done, went to the chiropractor, got groceries, picked up a book (written by my best friend’s mom, so excited to read it!)

Did I mention I got a flower? I know it’s just a flower but I’m gonna try really hard to keep it alive this summer. Cause I’m like a flower murderer or something.

Here's my quote for the day, which I am adding at the bottom of my post, just cause

'I got through this, I survived and the next one I'll survive even better'

In The Real Life Of...

ME!!! Yes, In the real life of Alisha. So, you all might remember Nancy Rue and her book series called RL, Real Life. Anyway, she's starting up a page for her teen readers to share their stuff. Each month, one of her readers is chosen to do a mini interview, put up a picture, and do a little bit of her writing, mostly just poetry or a small bit of a story, not a short story though cause we need to keep it under 100 words. Anyway, I was the first reader chosen! I'm working with Nancy right now to get everything set up and it should all be ready to go by October. I just sent in my Q and A and my "mini story" thing tonight. My story was basically just the story, or the first 99 word of a story, about a girl who feels lost in her life and really learns to trust. I had to pick and choose but I think I picked a really good piece for the page. I'm really excited about doing all this. I still have to submit a picture, I'll have to take a new one cause I don't have one of me when I have my hair like it is now, but I don't have to have it all in until the last day of September. I'll post it on here once I decide on a picture, and post a link once the page gets all up and running. I just wanted you all to share in my excitment. I'm really excited for this opportunity and ready to go! I can't wait until everything all get's up and running. Welcome, everyone, to the Real Life of Alisha!

The end of the begining

So, it's not about my trip but I thought I'd fill you guys in on what's been happening. Two days ago, I went to see Eat, Pray,Love, the new Julia Roberts movie. It was a pretty good movie, I liked it. I liked the way it showed the lessons that Julia's character, Liz, learned throughout the movie. Yesterday, we all went to collect bales. I drove the truck and only hit one person. Ok, It was my first time driving by myself (Gas peddle and all) and, in my defense, my dad said to go. how was i supposed to know that my brother was behind the trailer when I hit the gas? Well, he wasn't hurt too badly, he was still walking. :) This morning, I went to the orthodontist. I have to get two teeth pulled next Wednesday, and maybe, braces. I think, if my teeth aren't bothering me, then why fix them, but I didn't major in dental school now did I? I got my hair cut today. It's short again, but not too short. It's sort of to the middle of my ears, and all choppy like. It's really confusing to explain. We're going camping tomorrow. We picked up the camper today. And I finished the book I'm writing last night. It was the last one in the series. So exciting! It's the end of the begining. Can't wait to see what I'll come up with next :)

Motercycles, Sushi and One Strange Book

Moterecycles, Sushi and One Strange Book is the first book in the RL series by Nancy Rue.
The story is the life of Jessie Hatcher, a 15 year old girl with ADHD living with her bi-polar mother. When Jessie is given the shocking news that her father is back in town and wants to meet her, it sends her world crashing. When her mom is taken to the mental hospital, Jessie goes to live with her dad in Saint Augustine, Florida. There she meets new friends, learns to master the art of sushi, get along with a less then easy to get along with sister and sees the sights from the back of a motercycle, and finds RL. The main characters in this book are Jessie, Rocky, Weezie, Jessie's dad Lou, Rose and Bonsai, her sushi teacher. The minor characters include Jessie's mom Brooke, her friend Chelsea, her friend Marcus, Jessie's grandpa, Simone, Emma, Katrina, Travis, and Hank. Jessie overcame the challenges of her ADHD, and learned to accept herself as who she was, a child of God. My favorite character is Rocky. He doesn't pretend to be something he's not. he's real and honest. My favorite scene in this book comes at the end of the book were Jessie is finally sure of herself enough to stand up to her mom. I really liked this book becaause of how relatable the characters are and the real life answers RL gives. I would totally recommend this book. I loved it. I would rate it 4.8. Not quite a 5 because sometimes it was hard to follow Jessie's thoughts but all over, a totally amazing book.
Again, Nancy Rue has blown me away. This book definatly goes on my list of favorites

Boyfriends, Burrito's and an Ocean of Trouble

Boyfriends, Burrito's and an Ocean of Trouble is the second book in the RL series by Nancy Rue. It's the story of Bryn Christopher. She was in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend, Preston Oliver. When a Car accident reveals Bryn's bruises, she is talked into testifying against him, the most powerful jock in school. It's an Ocean of trouble when Bryn's grandmother, Mim, arrives and decides to teach Bryn the ways of surfing, and a good old Mexican Burrito. It's a lot of ups, and downs, for Bryn in the days leading up to the trail. One things brings her comfort and understanding in these long days, a strange book she found in the hospital waiting room. It seems to speak to her, and understand her real life. The main characters in this book are Bryn, her dad, Mim, Preston, Andrew, Regan, Fielding and Shawn. The minor characters, in my opinion, are Bryn's Mom, her sister Tara, Goof, Kale, Kayla Dorchester, Will Quintera, Vanessa Woodhouse, Isabel and Emma. My favorite character in this book is probably Bryn. She was forced to deal with the trial, and Preston and his friends. She had to cope with the retaliation of Preston's posse and with personal attacks being made against her. But in the end, Bryn learns more about herself and who she is as a person. My favorite scene in this book was probably the one where Bryn finally stands up to Preston. She tells him who she is and is strong in the face of a challenge. When He says he'll destroy her, that she'll never be the same, she say's he's right. She has God. I liked this book because of the real challenges Bryn faced and how she dealt with them. It was amazing to watch her transform into a new being once she began reading about Yeshua. My rating on this book is 4.5 out of 5. I think it was very well written and had a lot of great lessons in it. The surfing and court language did get to be a little bit much once in a while but maybe that's just me. Over all it was a really good book. I'd recommend it for it's great lessons in friendships, dating and family values. Besides all that, it had a really good story line and very real characters that you can relate with. Once again, Nancy has created a book that went beyond my expectations.

To check out the rest of the RL books, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IQaovHGmx8

One more day!

Apparently my days are really off. I was thinking I didn't do my first review until Thursday but I just realized I do it TOMORROW! That means I should probably get everything ready so I actually have something to say to you. It was Jaxon's birthday yesterday. My family came over here for burgers and hot dogs and a Car's cake. Jaxon got a kid's quad, which he already loves riding. Tonight is my parent's anniversary and I'm babysitting the kids while they go out for supper and a movie. 19 years, and sorry if I wasn't supposed to say that mom.
On Canada day we went over to some friend's house for a BBQ. The old ladies, aka the mothers, decided to be really cool and go ride the golf cart. They decided to drive past the window doing all these goofy poses, then switch people and come around again. It was all fun and games, until someone fell off. It was hilarious watching these old ladies act like they were 12, maybe even younger because I'm sure no 12 year old, in their right mind, would do that. But it was funny to watch. Me and my Dad went to see twilight Eclipse the other night. Let's just say I like the books better. So, I guess I'll be writing to you tomorrow with my first review. Can't wait.

Nancy Rue!!!!!!!!

Well since I'm going to be doing the book reviews (motercycles, sushi and one strange book and boyfriends,burritos and an ocean of trouble, both by Nancy Rue) I thought I would show you a little bit about who Nancy is. I did the author spotlight a while back (I'm not sure how to add a link so you can just find it. I think it will be on the side, under author spotlight) anyway that has some Q and A's with Nancy. In case you didn't know, Nancy is a tween, teen and adult fiction writer. Here are some pictures of Nancy, to prepare you for the book reviews, on July 7 and 13.


Here are some of the other books Nancy has written.

This is the picture of Nancy Rue, as seen on the back of her books

And this is a lovely picture of Nancy, on one of her many travels. I personally really love this picture.

Can't wait until I can do the first review. I'm counting the days!

Exciting News!!!!

I have some exciting news! I'm going to be part of a blog tour!
I'll review the books listed below on the dates listed.I'll tell a little bit about what the book was about, the main characters, the challenge they overcame and who my favorite character was. I'll tell you how I liked this book, my favorite scene from the novel. I'll tell you if I would recommend this book to anyone else and why. I'll give my overall score of this book, the author, title, genre...
The books and dates are... (drumroll please)

• July 7- Boyfriends, Burritos and an Ocean of Trouble
• July 13- Motercycles, Sushi and One Strange Book

I can't wait to review these books for you.